Supplement Advice

Do I need nutritional supplements? 

If you are able to have a balanced diet, the use of supplements may not be necessary. In general, a nutrient-dense diet offers greater benefits than supplements because it will contain beneficial nutrients such as fibre and other constituents, which supplements cannot replace.

In modern society, a combination of depleted soils and increased stress and nutritional demands from a more ‘toxic’ environment could make it harder to obtain the vitamins and minerals we need solely from the foods we eat. 

There are also people such as those pregnant and breastfeeding, those who are housebound, elderly people, vegetarians and vegans or people who are chronically ill that may be advised to supplement. A doctor may also advise someone to take a supplement if they have a deficiency and common ones can be Vitamin D, B12 or folate.

Why do we become nutrient depleted? 

It can be frustrating to be diagnosed with a deficiency when you generally eat well. There are many reasons why this can happen and having more of an understanding of these reasons could ease any worries or confusion you might have. Here are some reasons below:  

• The soils are more depleted now due to industrial farming so the meat and vegetables we eat have fewer nutrients.

• The burden of environmental toxins could be seen to be heavier now so the body requires more nutrients to keep healthy

• Depending on where you live, there may be a lack of sunlight resulting in lower vitamin D levels 

• The kind of chronic stress we experience nowadays leads to a higher nutrient need. Especially b vitamins can be depleted by long-term stress. 

• An increase in gut issues such as IBS may make it harder to absorb the nutrients from the foods we eat.  

Does the brand of supplement I take matter?

Unfortunately, there are many brands out there selling poor quality and potentially even harmful supplements and sadly there is little guidance out there for those not working with a healthcare practitioner.

Over-the-counter supplements are not controlled in the same way as pharmaceutical drugs. Manufacturers of supplements often cut corners to make cheaper supplements to increase profit margins. Always check each ingredient with a qualified nutritionist as taking the wrong kind of supplement may be worse than taking no supplements.

It is so easy to get swept up in the marketing hype of the supplement industry and end up buying a load of supplements to keep up with the latest social media trends.

This service was created to ensure that you are supported with the science behind supplements and are only taking what would impact your health and wellness in a positive way.

Important factors to consider when choosing what supplement to take 

• The form of the nutrient may be cheap and poorly absorbed by the body so check with your nutritionist.

• The supplement may be filled with additives, colouring, fillers, and allergens.

• In some low-quality supplements, it’s possible that the dosage on the label does not match the dose in the pill.

• The raw materials (especially herbs) may not be tested for toxins, such as mercury or lead, or may not be consistent from batch to batch.

Who is suitable for a supplement review service? 

Perhaps you have never tried supplements or you have a cupboard full of them but haven’t found that your health has improved. You might have come across a range you are thinking of taking but want to get the facts and truly have peace of mind knowing you are taking a product that will be beneficial for your health.

The express supplement advice service with ZenMind is useful for those wanting to optimise their health and even prevent any future health issues.

For those with a medically diagnosed condition, we would suggest opting for a full 50-minute session or wellness package.

How does a supplement review work? 

You will have a 30-minute online session to discuss your concerns.

If applicable, you will get access to a personalised supplement schedule and be affiliated with a practitioner-verified online store so you can purchase any suggested supplement if you wish to do so. Dietary and lifestyle tips will also be provided to help you on your wellness journey.

If preferred advice can be provided on supplements you are currently taking to ensure safety rather than suggesting new ones. We may also advise you to stop taking any supplements that could be harmful to your health.

Nutritional supplements must be used with great care, remembering that they are powerful substances and not a substitute for a healthy diet.